The Black Panther Movement is regarded by many as being one of the most influential and well known civil rights movements in our country’s history. Originally started as a self-defense organization, the Black Panther Party, previously known as the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, was created with the intent of protecting its constituents from unfair and unjust treatment. The name “Panther” was chosen because like the animal, the members wanted to strike out against aggressors. Like the current Black Lives Matter Movement, the Black Panther Movement was a reactionary movement revolting against the unequal treatment of African American people in the United States. At first, the party’s goal was to arm African American citizens with weapons
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In order to give historical context, the documentary showed footage and pictures from key incidents such as protests, newsreels, and Panther functions. It also contained voice overs and direct interviews from members of the Black Panther Party and members of various police units as well as other onlookers. Footage was shown of rallies, members giving food to the poor at food pantries, and children eating at the Breakfast Program to show the positive side of the party. However, “shootout” and other violent footage was also shown to show the negative impacts of the party. Here along with other parts of the documentary, perspectives from both sides (i.e. Panther interviews and police interviews) were given in an attempt to remain unbiased. One of the main focus points towards the end of the documentary was the raid on Fred Hampton’s apartment and his subsequent murder by the police. It was shown in the investigation how only one bullet was fired from a Panther weapon yet the apartment was riddled with bullets. At the very end of the documentary, a line of text appeared reading “There are over 20 Panthers that remain in prison.” This text almost serves as a rallying call to show how their movement still is not over. Overall, the documentary does an excellent job of refraining from opinion and sticks to hard evidence and truth. It was accurate, concise, and depicted the movement in its historical
In order to give historical context, the documentary showed footage and pictures from key incidents such as protests, newsreels, and Panther functions. It also contained voice overs and direct interviews from members of the Black Panther Party and members of various police units as well as other onlookers. Footage was shown of rallies, members giving food to the poor at food pantries, and children eating at the Breakfast Program to show the positive side of the party. However, “shootout” and other violent footage was also shown to show the negative impacts of the party. Here along with other parts of the documentary, perspectives from both sides (i.e. Panther interviews and police interviews) were given in an attempt to remain unbiased. One of the main focus points towards the end of the documentary was the raid on Fred Hampton’s apartment and his subsequent murder by the police. It was shown in the investigation how only one bullet was fired from a Panther weapon yet the apartment was riddled with bullets. At the very end of the documentary, a line of text appeared reading “There are over 20 Panthers that remain in prison.” This text almost serves as a rallying call to show how their movement still is not over. Overall, the documentary does an excellent job of refraining from opinion and sticks to hard evidence and truth. It was accurate, concise, and depicted the movement in its historical